Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 9, 2026

Detection of Targetable Alterations in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer using Next-generation Sequencing
05:17

Detection of Targetable Alterations in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer using Next-generation Sequencing

Published on: October 10, 2025

419

Targeted DNA sequencing of non-small cell lung cancer identifies mutations associated with brain metastases

George D Wilson1,2, Matthew D Johnson1,3, Samreen Ahmed2

  • 1Department of Radiation Oncology, William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, MI, USA.

Oncotarget
|June 15, 2018
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

This study investigated molecular oncogenes in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and brain metastasis. A gene panel may predict brain metastasis risk, and PI3K/AKT signaling is a potential therapeutic target.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) poses a significant health challenge.
  • Metastatic spread, particularly to the brain, is a critical factor in NSCLC patient outcomes.
  • Identifying molecular drivers of brain metastasis is crucial for targeted therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To test the hypothesis that dominant molecular oncogenes in NSCLC are linked to brain metastatic spread.
  • To identify potential molecular markers for predicting brain metastasis risk in NSCLC patients.
  • To explore the role of specific signaling pathways in NSCLC brain metastasis.

Main Methods:

  • Targeted sequencing was employed on NSCLC patient cohorts.
  • Patient groups included those with no metastasis, non-CNS metastasis, and brain metastasis.
  • Analysis focused on identifying genetic variants associated with brain metastatic disease.

Main Results:

  • No single genetic variant was exclusively associated with brain metastasis.
  • A panel of 20 genes showed unique variants in over 33% of patients with brain metastases.
  • PI3K/AKT signaling pathway alterations were observed in both primary NSCLC and brain metastases.

Conclusions:

  • A gene panel shows promise for identifying NSCLC patients at risk of brain metastasis.
  • PI3K/AKT signaling is implicated in the development of NSCLC brain metastases.
  • This research suggests potential therapeutic strategies targeting the PI3K/AKT pathway.
Keywords:
brain metastasesnext generation DNA sequencingnon-small cell lung cancerradiotherapytargeted agents

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